Pacific Northwest beers and microbrews for the barbecue, to take camping or just to drink out on the deck.

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By Sara Kennedy

ShopNW

The sun is shining and Seattle Beer Week is just around the corner. Do you need any more reasons to pick up a new local brew?

Here are five picks from the Pacific Northwest that will get you pumped for the May 12–22 week of beer events (check seattlebeerweek.com for a complete lineup). Or just start taste-testing for the post-hike/camping/backyard-sitting drinks to come.

All are available at well-stocked grocery stores or beer shops, except where noted.

1. Two Beers Brewing Co. Tangerine IPA ($6.49 for a 19-ounce bottle at Bartell Drugs). Made just for Bartell, the Sodo brewery’s IPA pops with a bright citrus flavor that isn’t overwhelming. Two Beers’ Day Hike Summer Session Ale, with an easy 4.1-percent alcohol content, is a great option if you prefer a can.

2. Reuben’s Brews Gose ($9 for a four-pack of 12-ounce cans). The Ballard brewery recently began canning its beers, starting with its crisp, award-winning gose. The refreshing, slightly sour brew is perfect for sipping on the patio or at the campsite, especially in unbreakable can form. A Summer IPA will be out in cans mid-month.

Reuben’s Brews Gose

3. Rainier Pale Mountain Ale ($12 for a six-pack of 16-ounce bottles). The local legend is putting out a new beer for the first time in almost 20 years, with this pale ale inspired by one of the company’s recipes from the 1930s. It hits stories May 16, and will be brewed in Woodinville with Yakima Valley hops.

4. Fort George Brewery Suicide Squeeze IPA Special Edition ($12 for a four-pack of 16-ounce cans). As if the amazing cans designed by Seattle artist Jesse LeDoux weren’t enough, this IPA out of Astoria, Ore., has been substantially revamped this year for better flavor. Its release celebrates the 20th anniversary of local indie-rock music label Suicide Squeeze Records.

5. Aslan Dawn Patrol Pacific Ale ($11 for a six-pack of 12-ounce cans). The all-organic Bellingham brewery released this mild ale in cans in January. The hoppy brew has notes of pineapple and mango to create a refreshing beer you can drink all afternoon.